schools across Kentucky. The first cohort is made up
of 16 students from eastern, central, south-central,
western and northern Kentucky, representing
districts that are urban, suburban, rural, large and
small.
“We focus so intensely on good instruction that
these Next Generation principal experiences, in
conjunction with the Academy, are already having
a direct impact on our students’ instructional
practices. Many of them, for instance, are
implementing project-based learning for the first
time as a result of their learning in the Academy,”
Young noted.
Sara Vogelpohl, who has taught for four years
at Harrison Elementary in Lexington and is part
of the UK College of Education Next Generation
Principalship Program, said she has changed the way
she teaches since being part of the program in the
UK College of Education.
“I have a more fluid classroom and would love to
incorporate more project-based learning so that my
students have the ability to express their learning
through a format which they choose. I think this
will also help foster their 21st century skills, such as
problem solving and communicating effectively, “
Vogelpohl said.
While she relishes her role in the classroom,
Vogelpohl has had an interest in school
administration since her undergraduate years. The
blended format of the principalship appealed to
her, and she was especially intrigued by the ability
to participate in the Next Generation Leadership
Academy.
The program’s design also attracted Amber Smith,
a second-grade teacher at Thornwilde Elementary in
Boone County. Although she doesn’t have immediate
plans to pursue a principal position, Smith said she
enjoys mentoring student teachers and eventually
wants to move into a school leadership position,
particularly to make a broader impact on education.
Smith and Vogelpohl were among several
principalship program students who received College
of Education scholarships, but more students will
benefit from scholarships next year, thanks to the
Women & Philanthropy network at the University
of Kentucky. The group seeks to improve and enrich
the lives of Kentuckians by supporting a wide
range of scholarship opportunities. The Women
& Philanthropy network will provide eight $4,000
scholarships for students in the program.
“This scholarship gave me the push I needed to
go ahead and start along the path of obtaining my
principal certification,” Vogelpohl said. “Without it,
I probably would not have taken classes this year
ABOVE: Lu Young (top) and Carmen Coleman
(bottom right) with principalship program
students.
PREVIOUS PAGE: Next Generation Leadership
Academy participants, facilitated by Linda France
(standing).
and the thought of that makes me really sad now, as
I am becoming not only a better leader, but also a
better teacher. We are preparing kids for jobs that
are not yet created and have to be willing to make
changes and be forward-thinking. I think UK has the
right mindset for this way of thinking through its
principalship program.”
Participants in the program range from younger
teachers to those with more than 20 years teaching
experience, highlighting the fact that it’s not too
early nor too late to pursue a principalship program.
“When someone feels called to lead a school or
district, I hope she/he is willing to step into the role
no matter how many years they already have under
their belt. I also believe that participating in our
program can have the effect of re-energizing and
inspiring our students to take on greater leadership
roles,” Young said.
Beginning with the 2016-17 school year, the
program is expanding its reach as the college
partners with the Fayette County’s Aspiring Leaders
program.
“We think this will help us have an even greater
impact over time,” Young said.
*Source: Kentucky Center for Education and Workforce Statistics
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